Thank you for this validation video! I tried continental. Just never felt right for me. Have a friend who seems embarassed when we knit together in public. Ive never wanted to bring my knitting with me again. Learned 2 life lessons. 1) What feels right to me is right for me. 2) Friendship shouldnt be this difficult! Excited to try this :)
Really.. most people around you in public can't even knit! How would they know?? Unless you're at a conference, in which case.. knit loud and proud, hunny 😘
I never knitted till I was 60. ( I grew up in the land of sand and surf and no one knitted ) I tried continental and English style. Continental never worked for me. When I knit English style my knitting just flies. I had my DNA done and I'm 60% English & Irish. Maybe English knitting is in our generational memory. I say ' do what bring you joy.' Never let anyone make you feel bad. That's not a friend.
My in-laws kit this way and they always looked down on me for knitting scandi way - I’m a thrower. I can go super fast but tend to slow down because it’s a relaxation thing for me. It doesn’t matter how to knit as long as it makes you happy.
yes! I quit watching when knitters start tearing into how "stupid" it is to knit anything other than continental. I can do all types of knitting as well and still prefer English style because it works so well for me. We just need to stop all the snobbish behavior when it comes to the different styles. As long as the knitted item turns out great....what does it really matter. Thanks so much for this video.
Thank you! I'm from Germany, knit since 44 years, a bit more. I'm a teacher for som teens and l love it! After getting disabled myehands and arms shake as if l had parcinson but it isn't, only looks as if. So l couldn't knit but wanted so! After 2 years it went better so l could knit and purleagain, but not smooth enough in my eyes. I started potuguesian style which is great but then l saw lever knitteing and l'm impresred! Both, straight needles and circulars are great! I built sraight circular needles and now l knit all the time l can! But this vid here told me how to knit with normal circular needles which are way shorter than straight needles. I'm HAPPY!!! now! Thank you! Be blessed and healthy and, please, go on! You did great! And funny the same time which l like watching most!
This is how my grandmother and mother knit - they were avid knitters. They taught me rudimentary English and by remembering their strokes, I’ve naturally migrated to knitting this style today. Like you, I’ve taught myself all sorts of other styles, and use some of them when I feel it would be comfortable at the time, especially when I get a cramp in my fingers! And I use both English and Continental when knitting colour-work. Thanks for validating this style. I haven’t seen others suggest it! ❤️
I’ve knitted for about 40+ years and always thought I knitted English throw style. Who knew?!?!? I actually lever knit! Whoop!!!! Recently my right hand started hurting as I was holding my right needle knife style but levering with my left. I’ve adjusted the way I hold my right needle to the pencil grip as you demonstrated and am not feeling the pain any longer. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!
Finally! Someone who holds the right needle the same way I do. I was getting to think I was the only person who did it this way, although I tension the yarn differently. It really annoys me that people sneer at English style saying it’s slow. I usually direct them to the RUclips video of Hazel Tindall, a Shetland knitter, who powers through a row of knitting in what seems to be a blink of the eye
Lever, continental, English I never heard these terms when my mother taught me how to knit now I find out all these years later it’s English style …who knew? I will never change my style, I’ve tried continental just because I was curious but my mother had a great saying ‘never fix what’s not broke’….all these videos that say which one is best or fastest is ridiculous. You said it best, whatever is comfortable for you it’s a personal preference. My mother was the fastest knitter I knew and she could do it while watching tv..I swear she could even knit while doing the dishes! Because I had the best teacher it amuses me when people out there tell me there’s a better way. I haven’t seen one yet.
I was so excited to find this tutorial! I was just thinking it would be interesting to see another way of knitting….. low and behold this is sort of how I knit! I was taught by a little old lady in the church basement, and she said “I knit English, so that’s what teaching you.” Ok….. I didn’t know what that meant but I was willing to learn. Mine is a bit different than yours , when using straight needles I have the right one under my arm and work the yarn with that hand and let it help hold the needle while doing the movement with the left! You have no idea how many people stare at me….then show me how they do it,that is way better…. Not! Thanks for this tutorial!!!!!’
Thank you!! I knit English and am soooo tired of being told I should change to continental. NO! Continental hurts my hands. I've used lever knitting without knowing it was a thing and I like it. So happy I found your channel!
Today I am amazed i just discoverd that people were knitting like i do in the shetlands ....and i saw your knitting and if only for the way your are holding your kneedles.... It is just the same and now i discovered it has an english name. Then I will give you the name in french it is called : "la technique des 2 mains" or "le tricot à 2 mains". I so glad destiny made me open my you tube app today!!!!! And your are right it is fabulous when doing rib or moss stiches ...it is so easy to transfert your stich but also to pass your yarn from front to back and back to front while transfering stiches....
Very interesting. I will play around with it. I started as an English knitter. Always got gauge. Smooth stockinette. Played with continental and everything went south. Gauge became too tight. Struggled with getting gauge. Now I’m back to English knitting. Might do continental for in the round but haven’t decided completely on that. Thank you for this. It intrigues me.
This is how I learned to knit in about 1970 from my mother, who was taught to knit by a German woman in the early 1940s. My mother valued speed in knitting, and always said that Continental was faster but that her English way was nearly as fast. When I was a young knitter, working on straight needles, I didn't love how the material bunched up against the join of my thumb and hand, so I developed a switching up strategy, holding the right needle ever-so-lightly from above when there's a lot of fabric on the right needle. This is the stance I still use for circular knitting, most of the time. I tension with a wrap of my pinky. I have seen many other English knitters dropping and picking up the yarn on the right and have always been mystified as to why they were doing that! But to each her own.
i am self-taught, working from a memory of watching my grandmother knit when i was 7-8 and making a scarf. I didn't really touch knitting needles again til i was in my late 30's and used ...what people called bas-ackward style...or simply Wrong. I picked up knitting again when Covid hit, out of necessity. (The store stopped carrying my prefered style of socks). I have expanded to hats, gloves, mitens, and full sized sweaters. -- 2 days ago i came across a video of someone knitting the way i do and just about jumped out of my seat. I'm not wrong i use a variation of a Russian technique called Russian Grandma Style knitting. This style accomodates my carpal tunel and arthritis issues. It is very quick and easy to use as on circular needles for all sizes of yarn.
Best demonstration of lever knitting that I have seen. I will be giving it a go. I swapped from English knitting to a combined continental style which was less stressful to my hands. Thanks
So I decided to finish a fine gauge wrap in continental knitting, just the way I started it, but I also have the hat from EZ's knitting workshop book on a needle and I've switched to lever knitting on that. If it looks wonky I'll just keep it. I have a question about purling. I tried holding the yarn the same way as for lever knit stitch, but got a kind of yarn over thing leading into the first purl. I've always moved the yarn to the front of the work to purl, so is that missing from the instructions or am I missing something else? I'm jazzed about learning this well. Wish I could sit next to you for 15 minutes!
This is how my grandmother knitted as does my mother - I tried and failed miserably- I think I must use what is termed throwing the yarn around. My grandmother always said “who on earth taught that girl to knit!” Both of them were/are fast knitters and knitted for soldiers during both world wars. I will have to practice!
x-Ren-x Yay! Always so happy when knitters find ways to make it easier on our hands. Keep an eye out because my next video is going to have more tips for knitting lever!
Thank you for this explanation. I now understand that I knit English lever style. It was how I was taught by my mother. I actually wrap the thread with my index finger, so the movement is smaller than how I see your movement. I tension by running thread over my ring finger.
Most people I’ve seen discuss lever knitting talk like it’s the hardest style to learn. But I’ve been knitting less than a year (English style), and even at first blush I find this way more intuitive and easy to learn than continental knitting.
I agree. I think if you have been knitting for awhile and are used to stabbing into the stitch with your right needle, making the change to using your left needle to load stitches on and off takes a minute. I know when I was learning lever knitting I didn't have a lot of great resources and until it clicked in my head I needed to use my left needle like a shuttle, I struggled. But, I also found it no more difficult than Continental. And, purling is way easier with lever or English style in my opinion.
Carrie CraftGeek I can’t get used to the hand movements of Continental style at all. It’s kind of a shame, I was hoping to learn it so I could eventually use it in conjunction with English style for double knitting or stranded colorwork. Oh well, I’ll find a different way. Meanwhile, keeping the right needle still and using my left needle as a shuttle is reducing my hand pain by quite a lot :) as a bonus it’s making me faster too.
RavenWolf KittyFace Yes. I hear you. I learned Continental for double knitting and stranded color work as well. You can do it with holding two yarns in the right hand but it does take some finger manipulation. If you’re up for it you could try Portuguese knitting. It’s really nice for carrying multiple strands I don’t have a video tutorial on how to do Portuguese knitting it but you can see me doing this style of knitting in my Crafts and Hacks: Unexpected Knitting Multitool.
Carrie CraftGeek that’s a good idea. I only tried Portuguese knitting once, but I liked it when I did. Could be worth another go-round for the sake of colorwork. Thank you for the suggestion!
I have very small hands and found lever knitting a little more fiddly. Will continue to try. I usually knit continental but can throw and do portuguese style, and norwegian. I love having an arsenal of tricks.
Hey, dear, norwegian style I can't knit, but your other styles and English knitting, too. I've small hands, too, but Izve seen kids in the age of 6 years knitting that Style. So we will rock it, won't we? I've begun and it runs better than I thought. Take a projekt, an easy one, a sock, a shawl, a little triancle… after this you'll be as well as a profi! Be blessed and, please write me how yo do from time to time, till you rock it. OK? I'm as fast as in Continental St¨le now, after 3 weeks, and I only knit some moments along bc my disability. If I can, you can, too! Be blessed!
You should try flicking - very easy, very quick, and greater control. Much less movement of the right hand. I used to knit this way, but I find flicking so much easier.
I just watched your video and found it explains the method very well. I have been lever knitting for a few years but I always had trouble with my wrist when purling so I still knit using the third finger for "throwing" the yarn but when I purl I just throw off the first finger for purling. It works for me and I just wanted to mention it in case other people want to try it. I found it helped my tension to purl that way and also gave a little more relief as I don't have to move my wrist quite so far to get the needle into position for purling.
I was taught to knit English style, I thought I was still knitting (lazy) English style, but it turns out I naturally evolved into lever knitting without ever knowing the term! The only difference between what I do and what you demonstrate is tensioning with the right pinkie and, since I use straight needles 90% of the time, resting my right needle on my waistband or lap, depending on how I'm sitting. This way, my right hand nearly never touches the right needle. I find this so much easier than holding the right needle that I really complain any time I have to use DPN or circular needles.
Thank you, Carrie, for a great demonstration and explanation of lever knitting. I'm always up for a new way to do something. I have always knit continental, as I ways a crocheter first. My friend taught me to knit this way on dpns. I made mittens and hats. There is more than one way to do everything.❤
Great explanation and demonstration. Mentioning pros and cons is helpful to know upfront where I may have trouble with this technique. Now on to part 2!
Thanks so much Carrie! I feel so much better about prefering to knit English. I can knit continental but for me have much better stitch quality by knitting English. Especially when it comes to purling. All that fingers gymnastics is counterintuitive to knitting ergonomically….for me. Just subscribed and am feeling good about adding lever knitting to take better care of my hands.
Wow, I’ve knit like this for years, my mom taught me when I was a teenager (or younger) and I’m almost 60, and I never knew this was what it was called. I always heard people say you pick or throw , but I didn’t throw like English knitting and thought “well that’s not quite what I do”. Thanks for finally clearing it up.
I knit that way. My grandmother taught me and her 'rhyme' was 'in, over, through and out' She knit like the wind. I tried continental and the purl got me flummoxed. Stuck to English (I'm English!). Great tutorial. Many thanks. 👍
I’ve been searching utube for another way to knit! Been a picker continental for many years. Now experiencing wrist pain. I’m not home to try it yet but this way looks so simple and easy to do! Thank you can’t wait to try it! Praying this is a great alternative. I’ve been trying flicking but my index finger does not seem to be long enough to do it, but your way looks so much better. Much easier on the hand! Thanks
I’m an English style knitter and also like to learn different ways to knit. I do not like continental knitting (the knit stitch is actually pretty cool but the purling, I find it awkward) but I do love Portuguese knitting, love it! But recently learned about lever knitting and that’s how I came across your video/channel. Awesome video and I can’t wait to practice lever knitting.
We are of one mind when it comes to Continental. When I do use continental I invariably use combo knitting because the purl is ... blah. I like portuguese for some colorwork as an alternative.
I just came across your video. I am very interested in alternative ways of knitting. I too am an English style knitter and can knit continental and Portuguese. Lever knitting is the next step in my journey. Thank you
This is what I was taught to do but we always used long needles with the right one tucked in my right armpit. With the right needle wedged, my right hand doesn't need to hold it, just the yarn
I am so happy someone shares my views. English knitting is really efficient if you learn the right way not leaving the needle. It's the smoothest action, and no differerence in purl and knits, perfect tension, no pulling needles apart .. it feels like an efficient piston movement. I learned continental too, for 2 handed colourwork , and because i was swayed by the general perception in favour of continental. I do get decent tension in continental, but those purls need to be managed in a manner which is not natural and effortless.
I do a Norwegian purl when working continental, it saves the thumb from pain, but it messes up my tension and stretches the yarn out. I'm sure after 40 years of it I'll get better at it, but mostly English knitting is fun and comfortable.
Thanks. Just learning to knit using continental and have run into the fact that knit is easy and purl is horrendous. This looks like it’s worth a try, thanks for the clear presentation. Cheers.
I watched Hazel Tindall videos over and over and have adopted that Shetland Island way of holding the needle and yarn. I’ve mastered various styles over the years - continental, Irish lever style ( Stephanie Pearl McPhee) but all those other styles ended up causing hand and wrist pain. The Shetland flicking style is the best for me. I’ve even taken up crochet and use the flicking style with crochet . Again I find there’s less twisting involved so less hand and arm pain.
This is an awesome video to demonstrate methods and pros and cons of lever knitting. I am not a very experienced knitter and never heard of this. It sort of reminds me of “flick knitting” style. I’ll give it a try. Thanks for making this.
Thank you for showing this on circulars. I learned to crochet at 9, and then taught myself to knit when I turned 40. I did English style at first but continental won me over as it was how I held yarn crocheting. I have seen some vintage videos on lever knitting and thought one day I would try it. Fast forward 19yrs to now as I am crocheting and watching knitting videos...your video on circulars... and I cannot wait to finish this poncho and try it.
My own style is a kind of hybrid English and lever. I use a knife grip, because if I use a pencil grip, I'm not comfortable with the fabric over my thumb. However, I use my left needle for a lot of the motion. It means that I don't have pain from tendinitis, which can happen if I'm using my right hand to much. It's only increased my speed slightly, but it's made it much more enjoyable. I can knit continental, but it causes pain in my left hand. I do it like you do when I'm knitting Fair Isle patterns.
This looks awesome and I can’t wait to try it. P.S. - you are so adorable! I love your sense of humor and you have a beautiful smile! Those bloopers at the end were too much! 💕
@@CarrieCraftGeek 5 months later now & I knit like this all the time! I love it! Took just a week or so to get comfortable with the new hand positions. Really so very efficient. And has been a game changer for my enjoyment of knitting. I routinely use your AZ affiliate link when I do my shopping...this small thing is my big thank you! I am so appreciative :)
I have been knitting similar to lever knitting for awhile and didn’t know it. I have pain in my right thumb down to my wrist. I found that by holding the right needle still, moving the left needle in toward my body to insert the right needle into the stitch, wrap the yarn around with my right hand, move the left needle away from my body to take the stitch off, completing the stitch , was easier on my hand. I still held the right needle the way I always have but have to drop the right needle to wrap the yarn around. I thought it was because my hands are small and my fingers are short, but holding the right needle the way you do, would eliminate dropping it. This will take some practice. I have started knitting continental to reduce some of the pain but I cannot seem to get purling down. I also have a hard time with tension when I knit continental. It is worth a try to end this pain in my right hand. Thanks for this video.
This is the style I am learning in order to use a knitting belt or sheath. You can get pretty darn fast with this technique, but the yarn tension is the one thing that really takes some work for me.
I just recently got a knitting belt! I have a video short of me using it. I will say that with the belt I tension my yarn the same but I push the yarn with my forefinger. The part 2 video I demonstrate it (as well as some different ways to tension yarn)
I was continental from the beginning. That's all I knew. All of my knitting books have instructions in continental. I have been knitting in continental for over 30 years now. But I think you can best understand my feelings. You are right!!! At first I thought I would try flicking and was looking for a video explaining flicking. In my search for videos I came across you! Holding the knitting needles like a pencil⁉︎I was very fascinated by the first time I saw this way of knitting. I have been practicing for a week now. Today, for the first time, I felt like I somehow got the hang of it. It's so exciting and fun! I'm going to try knitting something small first. Mittens, socks... Looking forward to more of your videos! I'm rooting for you! Thanks for introducing me to leverknitting!
How exciting. And so happy to hear your are enjoying the experience with lever knitting. I do think it's nice to know more than one way to knit. All the methods have advantages and it's just another tool in the toolbox.
Hi, I just learned Norwegian style knitting, I don't think I'll ever go back to any other! I really like the purl. I may try Russian style which is the twisted knit Stitch but for now Norwegian is so much more comfortable on my hands.
Ive done this style in the past, was told it’s called Irish style knitting- which would be natural for me, my ancestors hailing from Ireland. I got away from it for flicking but I have gone back to it, just picked up my needle like a pencil one day and naturally began knitting that way; I do find it more relaxing and more natural for me plus gives more control. I was holding the yarn in my right hand differently then you do, just wrapping it around my pinky finger, but I have found that using your wrap style is easier. Thanks, and good work.
Thank you! So glad you’ve found a way to knit that works well for you. I’ve also heard it called Irish Cottage Knitting. I think like much in our craft, it goes by various names.
Well done!! How interesting to see this style with an actual "name"! I learned English knitting as a child from my mother. This very technique is exactly what my knitting style naturally became. It came naturally to me to hold my right needle basically upright and stationary. The only difference here is that I don't keep a constant hold on the right needle, letting the stitches do that job, and I tension my yarn through my pinky and index finger. I "throw" my yarn from the tip of my right index finger which is closest to the source. I never have issues with uneven tension or stitches, everything is consistent. Decades later when my mother actually saw me doing this, she said, with a bit of irritation in her voice, "What are you doing? Why are you knitting that way?" Because its faster! I'll never understand the Knitting Gestapos.
THANK YOU! I'm a total beginner who crochets but have been struggling to learn to knit. I have been learning English, continental, and Portuguese.. and none of them feel decent but your video is helping.
Oh you’re welcome! I am so glad this is helping. You may want to check out my Knitting Fundamentals playlist, specifically the videos on the Knit and purl stitches. I get the needles out of the way so you can really see what’s happening!
I’m a very loose Continental style knitter and I’m looking for other style to my stitch tighter. I’ve been trying English style and it does my my stitch a lot tighter, so much that I have to up my knitting needles a size or two to make gauge. When knitting Continental style is the opposite. I rather go up then down a size because of my carpal tunnel. I’ve also noticed that using the English style is much gentle on my wrist, but the down is that my speed is not the same as when using the Continental ..I tried the lever style but it’s hard for me to keep tension, but I’ll practice more. Thank you for the video. Blessings
Pencil holding the right needle and how you hold your yarn with your middle finger and ring finger is really comfortable for me. I am just getting back in to knitting. I have recently tried English, Continental, Russian, and Peruvian searching for a comfortable technique that will allow some ease, accuracy, and a little speed. Thank you for sharing what you have experienced. It has helped.
Hi. Glad to hear you're getting back into knitting and completely understand how I work is not going. To be for everyone. If it helps, in part 2 I do talk about variations for holding the needles and tensioning yarn.
Hey! Just found your channel. I have attempted lever knitting and gave up, but you have encouraged me to seriously try again. I started out throwing, but when I came across Continental it was so much better for me. I also learned the Norwegian purl with Continental and use it occasionally. But I really want to master lever knitting! So Thank you!
Oh thank you so much! And good luck. And if you decide it’s not for you, it’s wonderful that you enjoy Continental. The most important thing is to enjoy what you’re doing.
Really enjoyed your video...thanks for that! I've never tried this method but you make it look so easy I'm going to give it a try. You must be from my home state of Missouri; you sound just like my sister. I'll be watching! Thanks again
Oh I'll save you the trouble. I do not. Well I have a tablet weaving video. I use the mirrex loom for bead weaving and I haven't had a chance to do any videos on it...yet. I'm also working in a blog of my first rigid heddle loom experience.
It's been 3 weeks since I've started learning knitting, english style, and it was enought to feel a lot of pain in my shoulder. I'm gonna try this way and I hope I can say "That's the way I learned and it doesn't hurt me".
There’s lots of ways to knit and we all have to find the method that works for us. If this isn’t it Continental or Portuguese may be what’s best for. That’s one of the amazing things about knitting. 😊
I have been looking for a video like this for years. There are others who attempt to explain, but fall very short. This is the way all the Miss Marples knit. I always thought it looked quite efficient. I am a continental knitter, and I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome. I will probably undergo surgery soom. Learning new ways of knitting can be beneficial
I am so glad you have found it helfpul. I too was frustrated by the lack of good instruction on this method. When I was teaching myself it there was hardly anything. I feel for you on carpel tunnel. In the back of my mind I feel like it's inevitable for me but I'm doing what I can to keep it at bay.
Great to see an American knitting English style, and explaining its advantages so well. To me, as an Australian, this is always how I've knitted. English is the only thing we knew. The French Mon Tricot books also taught this method. I have to say though, that your method of tensioning the yarn, and flicking with your 4th finger, makes me squirm! Your hand and wrist are moving far more side to side than necessary. That finger is far from your needle tip. It has to travel a long way for every stitch. If you pick up the yarn with your pinkie, loop it once with the yarn running under your fingers, then put your index finger tip under the yarn, it is right there beside your stitch. You almost don't have to move your right finger or hand at all. Making smaller movements means more speed and efficiency, and less RSI in the long run.
Since this video I've worked on moving me hand closer to tip of the needle so I don't have to travel so far. (I have a video about it) Also, I was exaggerating my movements for camera a bit so people can see what I'm doing. When I'm knitting it's a much more compact movement.
@@CarrieCraftGeek Thanks, I'll look out for more of your videos. This is the first one I've seen. Have you watched a lovely English lady who has made videos on this subject, Lorna. Her RUclips channel is WoollyWoodlanders. Very informative.
Thank you! I tried continental knitting and it just wasn’t as amazing as it was said it would be. When I learned about Portuguese knitting that became my preferred style, my wrists didn’t hurt nearly as much and I knit so much faster. I’m so excited to try this out! But I do think continental style does seem to be pushed onto people as the “best” style which I just don’t think is the case for even the majority
Yay. I hope you enjoy this way of knitting. I agree with you. I think Continental is a fine way to knit for many, but agree it's been pushed so much lately as superior when really it's a matter of personal preference. We all have our own bodies and brains, and what works great for sone, won't work for everyone.
I'm having a hard time using my right ring finger to wrap the left needle. As an English knitter, I'm very comfortable wrapping the working yarn around my right ring finger, under the middle finger, and across my index finger. This is easy and tension is great. Throwing with my ring finger is clumsy. Will I really be able to do it easily??? P.S. You're funny 🤗
I find it easy now to have the yarn on my ring finger. It did take some time to get used to it, however. But you don’t have to tension your yarn the way I do it. Do what works best for you.
I have an even more effective way to knit english style with out throwing stitch over by moving first finger you make it hard work ive been a knitter for 58 years
I was an English knitter for about 50 years, having learnt from my mother, aged eight. Although continental knitting is faster and has tightened up my tension, I believe English knitting to be more relaxing and a more graceful way to knit. I will add that I am English, so maybe a little biased, but I agree with another comment made here, that there is a lot of snobbery concerning English style knitting 🙁. By the way, the style that you are demonstrating is how I was taught. Unfortunately I always had difficulty with tension, so I am going to have a go at tensioning it the way you have and see if it helps 😊.
Loved this technique. I get that the left hand needle does all the work, but is it true that the right hand still releases its hold lets go of the needle briefly to wrap the yarn or should I be be trying not to retain the hold of the right needle
The way I do this my right hand does open while I throw the yarn but I wouldn't say my I release the right needle because it's always readying between my thumb and forefinger. There are people who do something called flicking where they always keep a hold of the right needle and use their forefinger to "flick" the yarn around the needle. But, that would require a different way if tensioning the yarn. If you're interested in flicking Very Pink Knits demonstrates this method. You can combine keeping the right needle stationary with flicking.
So glad to hear. Yes, I found the switch to lever knitting really made a difference to my wrist. The one bad habit I'm trying to break is keeping my hand closer to he tip of the needle so I don't have to extend my and so far.
Your tension can definitely change. Mine became a smudge tighter, but not uncomfortably so. I now just need to go up a needle size for projects. But, I do fine my tension is very consistent.
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Hey! I got a request for a close up of how I tension the yarn. Here i
is a short! ruclips.net/user/shortsgZDixVmOGPE?feature=share
Anyway to slow down that short video? Still can’t get the tensioning😮
@@mknitqueen4364 I'll see what I can do. :)
Thank you for this validation video! I tried continental. Just never felt right for me. Have a friend who seems embarassed when we knit together in public. Ive never wanted to bring my knitting with me again. Learned 2 life lessons. 1) What feels right to me is right for me. 2) Friendship shouldnt be this difficult! Excited to try this :)
The beauty of knitting is there’s so many ways to do it, and we can find the way that works best for us.
Now we have to worry about knit-shaming? 👀 I use looms. What a Neanderthal.
Really.. most people around you in public can't even knit! How would they know?? Unless you're at a conference, in which case.. knit loud and proud, hunny 😘
I never knitted till I was 60. ( I grew up in the land of sand and surf and no one knitted ) I tried continental and English style. Continental never worked for me. When I knit English style my knitting just flies. I had my DNA done and I'm 60% English & Irish. Maybe English knitting is in our generational memory. I say ' do what bring you joy.' Never let anyone make you feel bad. That's not a friend.
@@littlestbroccoli thanks:)
I thought I was going to learn something new.....but this is how I have always knitted!!! I had no idea it had a name so thank you!
My in-laws kit this way and they always looked down on me for knitting scandi way - I’m a thrower. I can go super fast but tend to slow down because it’s a relaxation thing for me. It doesn’t matter how to knit as long as it makes you happy.
yes! I quit watching when knitters start tearing into how "stupid" it is to knit anything other than continental. I can do all types of knitting as well and still prefer English style because it works so well for me. We just need to stop all the snobbish behavior when it comes to the different styles. As long as the knitted item turns out great....what does it really matter. Thanks so much for this video.
Thank you! I'm from Germany, knit since 44 years, a bit more. I'm a teacher for som teens and l love it! After getting disabled myehands and arms shake as if l had parcinson but it isn't, only looks as if. So l couldn't knit but wanted so! After 2 years it went better so l could knit and purleagain, but not smooth enough in my eyes. I started potuguesian style which is great but then l saw lever knitteing and l'm impresred! Both, straight needles and circulars are great! I built sraight circular needles and now l knit all the time l can! But this vid here told me how to knit with normal circular needles which are way shorter than straight needles. I'm HAPPY!!! now! Thank you! Be blessed and healthy and, please, go on! You did great! And funny the same time which l like watching most!
Thank you so much and I’m so happy you have found ways to Knit again!
Good job.. I’m glad u are able to knit❤
This is how my grandmother and mother knit - they were avid knitters. They taught me rudimentary English and by remembering their strokes, I’ve naturally migrated to knitting this style today. Like you, I’ve taught myself all sorts of other styles, and use some of them when I feel it would be comfortable at the time, especially when I get a cramp in my fingers! And I use both English and Continental when knitting colour-work. Thanks for validating this style. I haven’t seen others suggest it! ❤️
So glad to be part of keeping this style of knitting alive.
I’ve knitted for about 40+ years and always thought I knitted English throw style. Who knew?!?!? I actually lever knit! Whoop!!!! Recently my right hand started hurting as I was holding my right needle knife style but levering with my left. I’ve adjusted the way I hold my right needle to the pencil grip as you demonstrated and am not feeling the pain any longer. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!
Had no idea this English person did lever style. :) I knit super fast and always wondered why others thought English style was tough
It is always useful to watch the way someone works
Finally! Someone who holds the right needle the same way I do. I was getting to think I was the only person who did it this way, although I tension the yarn differently. It really annoys me that people sneer at English style saying it’s slow. I usually direct them to the RUclips video of Hazel Tindall, a Shetland knitter, who powers through a row of knitting in what seems to be a blink of the eye
Holy Smacks, this is fantastic!
Super fast and you are real and lovely!
Thanks so much,
Swan
Thank you so much!
Lever, continental, English I never heard these terms when my mother taught me how to knit now I find out all these years later it’s English style …who knew? I will never change my style, I’ve tried continental just because I was curious but my mother had a great saying ‘never fix what’s not broke’….all these videos that say which one is best or fastest is ridiculous. You said it best, whatever is comfortable for you it’s a personal preference. My mother was the fastest knitter I knew and she could do it while watching tv..I swear she could even knit while doing the dishes!
Because I had the best teacher it amuses me when people out there tell me there’s a better way. I haven’t seen one yet.
I was so excited to find this tutorial! I was just thinking it would be interesting to see another way of knitting….. low and behold this is sort of how I knit! I was taught by a little old lady in the church basement, and she said “I knit English, so that’s what teaching you.” Ok….. I didn’t know what that meant but I was willing to learn. Mine is a bit different than yours , when using straight needles I have the right one under my arm and work the yarn with that hand and let it help hold the needle while doing the movement with the left! You have no idea how many people stare at me….then show me how they do it,that is way better…. Not! Thanks for this tutorial!!!!!’
Thanks for this. Never knew this had a name. My grandmother taught me to knit this way
Excited to try this style of knitting. Thanks for your informative and enthusiastic video!
Thank you!! I knit English and am soooo tired of being told I should change to continental. NO! Continental hurts my hands. I've used lever knitting without knowing it was a thing and I like it. So happy I found your channel!
Today I am amazed i just discoverd that people were knitting like i do in the shetlands ....and i saw your knitting and if only for the way your are holding your kneedles....
It is just the same and now i discovered it has an english name.
Then I will give you the name in french it is called : "la technique des 2 mains" or "le tricot à 2 mains".
I so glad destiny made me open my you tube app today!!!!!
And your are right it is fabulous when doing rib or moss stiches ...it is so easy to transfert your stich but also to pass your yarn from front to back and back to front while transfering stiches....
This is the best explanation of lever knitting I’ve seen. Thank you.
Very interesting. I will play around with it. I started as an English knitter. Always got gauge. Smooth stockinette. Played with continental and everything went south. Gauge became too tight. Struggled with getting gauge. Now I’m back to English knitting. Might do continental for in the round but haven’t decided completely on that. Thank you for this. It intrigues me.
I'm so excited to try this! I have severe RA and continue to knit even though it hurts. I'm hopeful this will help! ❤
This is how I learned to knit in about 1970 from my mother, who was taught to knit by a German woman in the early 1940s. My mother valued speed in knitting, and always said that Continental was faster but that her English way was nearly as fast. When I was a young knitter, working on straight needles, I didn't love how the material bunched up against the join of my thumb and hand, so I developed a switching up strategy, holding the right needle ever-so-lightly from above when there's a lot of fabric on the right needle. This is the stance I still use for circular knitting, most of the time. I tension with a wrap of my pinky. I have seen many other English knitters dropping and picking up the yarn on the right and have always been mystified as to why they were doing that! But to each her own.
I may or may not try this technique but I certainly enjoyed watching it. Your mantra about the guts made me laugh. Thank you❤!
So glad you enjoyed! Wish I could claim credit for the guts but I learned it from my cousin’s daughter who was taught knitting at camp.
i am self-taught, working from a memory of watching my grandmother knit when i was 7-8 and making a scarf. I didn't really touch knitting needles again til i was in my late 30's and used ...what people called bas-ackward style...or simply Wrong. I picked up knitting again when Covid hit, out of necessity. (The store stopped carrying my prefered style of socks). I have expanded to hats, gloves, mitens, and full sized sweaters.
-- 2 days ago i came across a video of someone knitting the way i do and just about jumped out of my seat. I'm not wrong i use a variation of a Russian technique called Russian Grandma Style knitting. This style accomodates my carpal tunel and arthritis issues. It is very quick and easy to use as on circular needles for all sizes of yarn.
Best demonstration of lever knitting that I have seen. I will be giving it a go. I swapped from English knitting to a combined continental style which was less stressful to my hands. Thanks
18:34 I have watched SO many videos trying to learn this! Yours is the clearest. Thank you!
You're welcome! So glad it's helpful.
Taught to knit at school little verse for Knit stitch was (in ,over,through and off.)
This is the first time I've accomplished multiple stitches in a row! Thank you!
Probably not ideal to change the way you're knitting in the middle of a project... Oh well ;)
So I decided to finish a fine gauge wrap in continental knitting, just the way I started it, but I also have the hat from EZ's knitting workshop book on a needle and I've switched to lever knitting on that. If it looks wonky I'll just keep it.
I have a question about purling. I tried holding the yarn the same way as for lever knit stitch, but got a kind of yarn over thing leading into the first purl. I've always moved the yarn to the front of the work to purl, so is that missing from the instructions or am I missing something else? I'm jazzed about learning this well. Wish I could sit next to you for 15 minutes!
This is how my grandmother knitted as does my mother - I tried and failed miserably- I think I must use what is termed throwing the yarn around. My grandmother always said “who on earth taught that girl to knit!” Both of them were/are fast knitters and knitted for soldiers during both world wars. I will have to practice!
I was already knitting in a similar style, but I tried your tensioning and I must say it's so much kinder on my wrist! Such a joy! Amazeballs! Thanks!
x-Ren-x Yay! Always so happy when knitters find ways to make it easier on our hands. Keep an eye out because my next video is going to have more tips for knitting lever!
Thank you for this explanation. I now understand that I knit English lever style. It was how I was taught by my mother. I actually wrap the thread with my index finger, so the movement is smaller than how I see your movement. I tension by running thread over my ring finger.
Most people I’ve seen discuss lever knitting talk like it’s the hardest style to learn. But I’ve been knitting less than a year (English style), and even at first blush I find this way more intuitive and easy to learn than continental knitting.
I agree. I think if you have been knitting for awhile and are used to stabbing into the stitch with your right needle, making the change to using your left needle to load stitches on and off takes a minute. I know when I was learning lever knitting I didn't have a lot of great resources and until it clicked in my head I needed to use my left needle like a shuttle, I struggled. But, I also found it no more difficult than Continental. And, purling is way easier with lever or English style in my opinion.
Carrie CraftGeek I can’t get used to the hand movements of Continental style at all. It’s kind of a shame, I was hoping to learn it so I could eventually use it in conjunction with English style for double knitting or stranded colorwork. Oh well, I’ll find a different way. Meanwhile, keeping the right needle still and using my left needle as a shuttle is reducing my hand pain by quite a lot :) as a bonus it’s making me faster too.
RavenWolf KittyFace Yes. I hear you. I learned Continental for double knitting and stranded color work as well. You can do it with holding two yarns in the right hand but it does take some finger manipulation. If you’re up for it you could try Portuguese knitting. It’s really nice for carrying multiple strands
I don’t have a video tutorial on how to do Portuguese knitting it but you can see me doing this style of knitting in my Crafts and Hacks: Unexpected Knitting Multitool.
Carrie CraftGeek that’s a good idea. I only tried Portuguese knitting once, but I liked it when I did. Could be worth another go-round for the sake of colorwork. Thank you for the suggestion!
@@ravenwolfkittyface1802 You are most welcome! I love helping out other knitters for ways to make knitting more enjoyable and pain free!
I have very small hands and found lever knitting a little more fiddly. Will continue to try. I usually knit continental but can throw and do portuguese style, and norwegian. I love having an arsenal of tricks.
Hey, dear, norwegian style I can't knit, but your other styles and English knitting, too. I've small hands, too, but Izve seen kids in the age of 6 years knitting that Style. So we will rock it, won't we? I've begun and it runs better than I thought. Take a projekt, an easy one, a sock, a shawl, a little triancle… after this you'll be as well as a profi! Be blessed and, please write me how yo do from time to time, till you rock it. OK? I'm as fast as in Continental St¨le now, after 3 weeks, and I only knit some moments along bc my disability. If I can, you can, too! Be blessed!
You should try flicking - very easy, very quick, and greater control. Much less movement of the right hand. I used to knit this way, but I find flicking so much easier.
I just watched your video and found it explains the method very well. I have been lever knitting for a few years but I always had trouble with my wrist when purling so I still knit using the third finger for "throwing" the yarn but when I purl I just throw off the first finger for purling. It works for me and I just wanted to mention it in case other people want to try it. I found it helped my tension to purl that way and also gave a little more relief as I don't have to move my wrist quite so far to get the needle into position for purling.
Your explanations are detailed, yet useful and to the point. The numbered stitching steps in the video were fantastic.
Thank you! So happy you found this useful.
I was taught to knit English style, I thought I was still knitting (lazy) English style, but it turns out I naturally evolved into lever knitting without ever knowing the term! The only difference between what I do and what you demonstrate is tensioning with the right pinkie and, since I use straight needles 90% of the time, resting my right needle on my waistband or lap, depending on how I'm sitting. This way, my right hand nearly never touches the right needle. I find this so much easier than holding the right needle that I really complain any time I have to use DPN or circular needles.
Interesting, thank you. I discovered only yesterday I’m a Irish Cottage style knitter.😮
Thank you, Carrie, for a great demonstration and explanation of lever knitting. I'm always up for a new way to do something. I have always knit continental, as I ways a crocheter first. My friend taught me to knit this way on dpns. I made mittens and hats. There is more than one way to do everything.❤
This is the way I knit. I didn't know it had a name! Thank you for the demo. x
You are so welcome!
Great explanation and demonstration. Mentioning pros and cons is helpful to know upfront where I may have trouble with this technique. Now on to part 2!
This was so fantastic! Thank you! I look forward to seeing you in the future.
Thanks so much Carrie! I feel so much better about prefering to knit English. I can knit continental but for me have much better stitch quality by knitting English. Especially when it comes to purling. All that fingers gymnastics is counterintuitive to knitting ergonomically….for me. Just subscribed and am feeling good about adding lever knitting to take better care of my hands.
You are a darling! I knit English, but willing to try the lever method. Thanks for the great (& funny) video!
Thank you! 😊
Yup most definitely will try this method. Thank You.
Wow, I’ve knit like this for years, my mom taught me when I was a teenager (or younger) and I’m almost 60, and I never knew this was what it was called. I always heard people say you pick or throw , but I didn’t throw like English knitting and thought “well that’s not quite what I do”. Thanks for finally clearing it up.
Your overhead camera angle was great and made it very easy to see.
I knit that way. My grandmother taught me and her 'rhyme' was 'in, over, through and out' She knit like the wind. I tried continental and the purl got me flummoxed. Stuck to English (I'm English!). Great tutorial. Many thanks. 👍
thanks! will work up the courage to try!
I believe you can do it!
I’ve been searching utube for another way to knit! Been a picker continental for many years. Now experiencing wrist pain. I’m not home to try it yet but this way looks so simple and easy to do! Thank you can’t wait to try it! Praying this is a great alternative. I’ve been trying flicking but my index finger does not seem to be long enough to do it, but your way looks so much better. Much easier on the hand! Thanks
I hope this is the answer you're looking for!
I’m an English style knitter and also like to learn different ways to knit. I do not like continental knitting (the knit stitch is actually pretty cool but the purling, I find it awkward) but I do love Portuguese knitting, love it! But recently learned about lever knitting and that’s how I came across your video/channel. Awesome video and I can’t wait to practice lever knitting.
We are of one mind when it comes to Continental. When I do use continental I invariably use combo knitting because the purl is ... blah. I like portuguese for some colorwork as an alternative.
I just came across your video. I am very interested in alternative ways of knitting. I too am an English style knitter and can knit continental and Portuguese. Lever knitting is the next step in my journey. Thank you
This is what I was taught to do but we always used long needles with the right one tucked in my right armpit. With the right needle wedged, my right hand doesn't need to hold it, just the yarn
I am so happy someone shares my views.
English knitting is really efficient if you learn the right way not leaving the needle. It's the smoothest action, and no differerence in purl and knits, perfect tension, no pulling needles apart .. it feels like an efficient piston movement.
I learned continental too, for 2 handed colourwork , and because i was swayed by the general perception in favour of continental.
I do get decent tension in continental, but those purls need to be managed in a manner which is not natural and effortless.
I do a Norwegian purl when working continental, it saves the thumb from pain, but it messes up my tension and stretches the yarn out. I'm sure after 40 years of it I'll get better at it, but mostly English knitting is fun and comfortable.
Iam definitely going to learn lever knitting
This looks like lever knitting to me, beautiful!
omg I was trying to comment this on a different video entirely, but I had also just watched this one! how weird and awkward lol
Thanks. Just learning to knit using continental and have run into the fact that knit is easy and purl is horrendous. This looks like it’s worth a try, thanks for the clear presentation. Cheers.
I watched Hazel Tindall videos over and over and have adopted that Shetland Island way of holding the needle and yarn. I’ve mastered various styles over the years - continental, Irish lever style ( Stephanie Pearl McPhee) but all those other styles ended up causing hand and wrist pain. The Shetland flicking style is the best for me. I’ve even taken up crochet and use the flicking style with crochet . Again I find there’s less twisting involved so less hand and arm pain.
Loved this video. Great explanation!
This is an awesome video to demonstrate methods and pros and cons of lever knitting. I am not a very experienced knitter and never heard of this. It sort of reminds me of “flick knitting” style. I’ll give it a try. Thanks for making this.
Carrie: "Knitting is a zen like activity"
Also Carrie: "Stab them, choke them, pull out the guts, hang em off a cliff."
Well both exist in knitting.
@@CarrieCraftGeek I wasn't expecting the rhyme to go like that when you introduced it. It was a dark turn.
Thank you for showing this on circulars. I learned to crochet at 9, and then taught myself to knit when I turned 40. I did English style at first but continental won me over as it was how I held yarn crocheting. I have seen some vintage videos on lever knitting and thought one day I would try it. Fast forward 19yrs to now as I am crocheting and watching knitting videos...your video on circulars... and I cannot wait to finish this poncho and try it.
Oh I hope you enjoy. It is really helpful to know how to knit both ways
My own style is a kind of hybrid English and lever. I use a knife grip, because if I use a pencil grip, I'm not comfortable with the fabric over my thumb. However, I use my left needle for a lot of the motion. It means that I don't have pain from tendinitis, which can happen if I'm using my right hand to much. It's only increased my speed slightly, but it's made it much more enjoyable. I can knit continental, but it causes pain in my left hand. I do it like you do when I'm knitting Fair Isle patterns.
This looks awesome and I can’t wait to try it.
P.S. - you are so adorable! I love your sense of humor and you have a beautiful smile! Those bloopers at the end were too much! 💕
Thank you so much!!
Thank you for this in-depth explanation on lever style. I am ready to practice it! I love the relaxed position of hands and fingers. Thanks again 🙏🏻
You’re so welcome. So glad you found this useful!
@@CarrieCraftGeek 5 months later now & I knit like this all the time! I love it! Took just a week or so to get comfortable with the new hand positions. Really so very efficient. And has been a game changer for my enjoyment of knitting. I routinely use your AZ affiliate link when I do my shopping...this small thing is my big thank you! I am so appreciative :)
I have been knitting similar to lever knitting for awhile and didn’t know it. I have pain in my right thumb down to my wrist. I found that by holding the right needle still, moving the left needle in toward my body to insert the right needle into the stitch, wrap the yarn around with my right hand, move the left needle away from my body to take the stitch off, completing the stitch , was easier on my hand. I still held the right needle the way I always have but have to drop the right needle to wrap the yarn around. I thought it was because my hands are small and my fingers are short, but holding the right needle the way you do, would eliminate dropping it. This will take some practice. I have started knitting continental to reduce some of the pain but I cannot seem to get purling down. I also have a hard time with tension when I knit continental. It is worth a try to end this pain in my right hand. Thanks for this video.
This is the style I am learning in order to use a knitting belt or sheath. You can get pretty darn fast with this technique, but the yarn tension is the one thing that really takes some work for me.
I just recently got a knitting belt! I have a video short of me using it. I will say that with the belt I tension my yarn the same but I push the yarn with my forefinger. The part 2 video I demonstrate it (as well as some different ways to tension yarn)
I was continental from the beginning. That's all I knew. All of my knitting books have instructions in continental. I have been knitting in continental for over 30 years now. But I think you can best understand my feelings. You are right!!! At first I thought I would try flicking and was looking for a video explaining flicking. In my search for videos I came across you! Holding the knitting needles like a pencil⁉︎I was very fascinated by the first time I saw this way of knitting. I have been practicing for a week now. Today, for the first time, I felt like I somehow got the hang of it. It's so exciting and fun! I'm going to try knitting something small first. Mittens, socks...
Looking forward to more of your videos! I'm rooting for you!
Thanks for introducing me to leverknitting!
How exciting. And so happy to hear your are enjoying the experience with lever knitting. I do think it's nice to know more than one way to knit. All the methods have advantages and it's just another tool in the toolbox.
Hi, I just learned Norwegian style knitting, I don't think I'll ever go back to any other! I really like the purl. I may try Russian style which is the twisted knit Stitch but for now Norwegian is so much more comfortable on my hands.
I'm happy you've found a way to knit you love! The world needs all the ways to knit.
Ive done this style in the past, was told it’s called Irish style knitting- which would be natural for me, my ancestors hailing from Ireland. I got away from it for flicking but I have gone back to it, just picked up my needle like a pencil one day and naturally began knitting that way; I do find it more relaxing and more natural for me plus gives more control. I was holding the yarn in my right hand differently then you do, just wrapping it around my pinky finger, but I have found that using your wrap style is easier. Thanks, and good work.
Thank you! So glad you’ve found a way to knit that works well for you. I’ve also heard it called Irish Cottage Knitting. I think like much in our craft, it goes by various names.
Well done!! How interesting to see this style with an actual "name"!
I learned English knitting as a child from my mother. This very technique is exactly what my knitting style naturally became. It came naturally to me to hold my right needle basically upright and stationary. The only difference here is that I don't keep a constant hold on the right needle, letting the stitches do that job, and I tension my yarn through my pinky and index finger.
I "throw" my yarn from the tip of my right index finger which is closest to the source. I never have issues with uneven tension or stitches, everything is consistent.
Decades later when my mother actually saw me doing this, she said, with a bit of irritation in her voice, "What are you doing? Why are you knitting that way?"
Because its faster!
I'll never understand the Knitting Gestapos.
THANK YOU! I'm a total beginner who crochets but have been struggling to learn to knit. I have been learning English, continental, and Portuguese.. and none of them feel decent but your video is helping.
Oh you’re welcome! I am so glad this is helping. You may want to check out my Knitting Fundamentals playlist, specifically the videos on the Knit and purl stitches. I get the needles out of the way so you can really see what’s happening!
I’m a very loose Continental style knitter and I’m looking for other style to my stitch tighter. I’ve been trying English style and it does my my stitch a lot tighter, so much that I have to up my knitting needles a size or two to make gauge. When knitting Continental style is the opposite. I rather go up then down a size because of my carpal tunnel. I’ve also noticed that using the English style is much gentle on my wrist, but the down is that my speed is not the same as when using the Continental ..I tried the lever style but it’s hard for me to keep tension, but I’ll practice more. Thank you for the video. Blessings
I was learnt this way as a kid by my mum. We used the long traditional needles. The right needle always up over my forearm
Awesome absolutely loved the end 😂
Me too! She is absolutely adorable
Pencil holding the right needle and how you hold your yarn with your middle finger and ring finger is really comfortable for me. I am just getting back in to knitting. I have recently tried English, Continental, Russian, and Peruvian searching for a comfortable technique that will allow some ease, accuracy, and a little speed. Thank you for sharing what you have experienced. It has helped.
Hi. Glad to hear you're getting back into knitting and completely understand how I work is not going. To be for everyone. If it helps, in part 2 I do talk about variations for holding the needles and tensioning yarn.
This is pretty cool!!
Definitely will try this out! Thanks for a great tutorial!
You are most welcome. I hope you enjoy it!
Hey! Just found your channel. I have attempted lever knitting and gave up, but you have encouraged me to seriously try again. I started out throwing, but when I came across Continental it was so much better for me. I also learned the Norwegian purl with Continental and use it occasionally. But I really want to master lever knitting! So Thank you!
Oh thank you so much! And good luck. And if you decide it’s not for you, it’s wonderful that you enjoy Continental. The most important thing is to enjoy what you’re doing.
Really enjoyed your video...thanks for that! I've never tried this method but you make it look so easy I'm going to give it a try. You must be from my home state of Missouri; you sound just like my sister. I'll be watching! Thanks again
I was born in Indiana and grew up a little bit everywhere. But, did go to a university in St. Louis.
Ohhh I see a Mirrix loom behind you! Going to search your videos to see if you have any weaving vids. 😊
Oh I'll save you the trouble. I do not. Well I have a tablet weaving video. I use the mirrex loom for bead weaving and I haven't had a chance to do any videos on it...yet. I'm also working in a blog of my first rigid heddle loom experience.
It's been 3 weeks since I've started learning knitting, english style, and it was enought to feel a lot of pain in my shoulder. I'm gonna try this way and I hope I can say "That's the way I learned and it doesn't hurt me".
There’s lots of ways to knit and we all have to find the method that works for us. If this isn’t it Continental or Portuguese may be what’s best for. That’s one of the amazing things about knitting. 😊
Awsome... Lovely style
I have been looking for a video like this for years. There are others who attempt to explain, but fall very short. This is the way all the Miss Marples knit. I always thought it looked quite efficient. I am a continental knitter, and I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome. I will probably undergo surgery soom. Learning new ways of knitting can be beneficial
I am so glad you have found it helfpul. I too was frustrated by the lack of good instruction on this method. When I was teaching myself it there was hardly anything. I feel for you on carpel tunnel. In the back of my mind I feel like it's inevitable for me but I'm doing what I can to keep it at bay.
Wow been doing this with out knowing thank you. ❤
Great to see an American knitting English style, and explaining its advantages so well.
To me, as an Australian, this is always how I've knitted. English is the only thing we knew. The French Mon Tricot books also taught this method.
I have to say though, that your method of tensioning the yarn, and flicking with your 4th finger, makes me squirm!
Your hand and wrist are moving far more side to side than necessary.
That finger is far from your needle tip. It has to travel a long way for every stitch.
If you pick up the yarn with your pinkie, loop it once with the yarn running under your fingers, then put your index finger tip under the yarn, it is right there beside your stitch.
You almost don't have to move your right finger or hand at all.
Making smaller movements means more speed and efficiency, and less RSI in the long run.
Since this video I've worked on moving me hand closer to tip of the needle so I don't have to travel so far. (I have a video about it)
Also, I was exaggerating my movements for camera a bit so people can see what I'm doing. When I'm knitting it's a much more compact movement.
@@CarrieCraftGeek
Thanks, I'll look out for more of your videos. This is the first one I've seen.
Have you watched a lovely English lady who has made videos on this subject, Lorna. Her RUclips channel is WoollyWoodlanders. Very informative.
Thank you! I tried continental knitting and it just wasn’t as amazing as it was said it would be. When I learned about Portuguese knitting that became my preferred style, my wrists didn’t hurt nearly as much and I knit so much faster. I’m so excited to try this out! But I do think continental style does seem to be pushed onto people as the “best” style which I just don’t think is the case for even the majority
Yay. I hope you enjoy this way of knitting. I agree with you. I think Continental is a fine way to knit for many, but agree it's been pushed so much lately as superior when really it's a matter of personal preference. We all have our own bodies and brains, and what works great for sone, won't work for everyone.
Oh my gosh. Thank you!
I'm having a hard time using my right ring finger to wrap the left needle. As an English knitter, I'm very comfortable wrapping the working yarn around my right ring finger, under the middle finger, and across my index finger. This is easy and tension is great. Throwing with my ring finger is clumsy. Will I really be able to do it easily??? P.S. You're funny 🤗
I find it easy now to have the yarn on my ring finger. It did take some time to get used to it, however. But you don’t have to tension your yarn the way I do it. Do what works best for you.
I'm an English knitter, but I would love to learn how to do this style. Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to more!!!
I have an even more effective way to knit english style with out throwing stitch over by moving first finger you make it hard work ive been a knitter for 58 years
Love your videos! Thanks for taking the time to put this information out there! You are a fantastic teacher!!
Oh thank you so much! That means so much to me.
Yes, that's me! And Circ needles. Came naturally didn't know it had a name till now.
I was an English knitter for about 50 years, having learnt from my mother, aged eight. Although continental knitting is faster and has tightened up my tension, I believe English knitting to be more relaxing and a more graceful way to knit. I will add that I am English, so maybe a little biased, but I agree with another comment made here, that there is a lot of snobbery concerning English style knitting 🙁. By the way, the style that you are demonstrating is how I was taught. Unfortunately I always had difficulty with tension, so I am going to have a go at tensioning it the way you have and see if it helps 😊.
how do you timestamp? never heard of that! great demo!
Loved this technique. I get that the left hand needle does all the work, but is it true that the right hand still releases its hold lets go of the needle briefly to wrap the yarn or should I be be trying not to retain the hold of the right needle
The way I do this my right hand does open while I throw the yarn but I wouldn't say my I release the right needle because it's always readying between my thumb and forefinger. There are people who do something called flicking where they always keep a hold of the right needle and use their forefinger to "flick" the yarn around the needle. But, that would require a different way if tensioning the yarn.
If you're interested in flicking Very Pink Knits demonstrates this method. You can combine keeping the right needle stationary with flicking.
You explained so much!
I’m so happy it was helpful!
nice clear tutorial :D i practiced lever knitting and it has reduced the wrist pain on my left hand when i knit for hours
So glad to hear. Yes, I found the switch to lever knitting really made a difference to my wrist. The one bad habit I'm trying to break is keeping my hand closer to he tip of the needle so I don't have to extend my and so far.
Thank you for your video very helpful!😍
I use a knife grip on my right hand but after looking at your video, I realized I am levering with my left. I am a really fast knitter.
This is really interesting, I am wondering how much this will throw off my tension
Your tension can definitely change. Mine became a smudge tighter, but not uncomfortably so. I now just need to go up a needle size for projects. But, I do fine my tension is very consistent.